More than 350 beers and ciders across 56 breweries were appraised by a panel of 14 judges, that included Kiwi craft beer brewers, beer writers and general beer experts.

To be eligible for an award, beers and ciders had to be available in New World supermarkets in New Zealand.

Without further ado, the best beer or cider in each class is listed below:

Best Pale Ale: Epic Pale Ale

The judges said Epic Pale Ale pours a burnished gold with a nose of grapefruit, orange and ginger. It’s smooth, full-bodied and packed with flavour.

Best IPA & APA: Liberty Brewing Co. Yakima Monster

Another Auckland craft brewery, Liberty Brewing’s Yakima Monster isn’t shy on hops. The judges described this award-winning beer as “boisterous” with a fresh nose of citrus and pine.

Best Strong Ale: Renaissance Brewing Company Stonecutter Scotch Ale

Stonecutter Scotch Ale is “one of the most complex and beguiling New Zealand beers ever brewed”. How’s that for an enticing proposition?

Best Specialty Ale: Bach Brewing Duskrider Red IPA

The best red India Pale Ale in New Zealand boasts notes of caramel and sherbet, plus an aroma of pine and orange peel.

Best Classic NZ Lager: Steinlager Classic

This might be a controversial choice. However, the New World judges ranked Steinlager Classic above all other New Zealand lagers.

Best International Lager: Singha Premium Lager

Thailand’s Singha beer is very drinkable, according to the judges in the New World Beer & Cider Awards. It tastes stronger than your average lager, with a firm bitterness.

Best NZ Pilsner: Galbraith’s Special Edition Pilsner Czech Style

The judges said this “brilliant impersonation” of the classic Czech Pilsner “looks delicious from the first drop”. Fortunately, it also tastes delicious.

Best Specialty Lager: Wigram Brewing Co. Munchner Dunkel

Lager but not as you know it: Munchner Dunkel pours a red-brown colour with an off-white head, and its nose showcases milk chocolate and fresh baked cookies. Interesting.

Best NZ Wheat Beer: Mac’s Great White Cloudy Wheat Beer

According to the judges, Mac’s Great White wheat beer is the perfect beer for those discerning beer drinkers who do not like their beers to taste too hoppy.

Best Stout & Porter: Three Boys Oyster Stout

Real bluff oysters are used in the making of Three Boys Oyster Stout – hence the name and this beer’s slight salty taste. But it bust taste good, because this dark beer is supposedly the best stout in NZ.